So, you just had your botulinum toxin treatment (whether it’s Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin)—congratulations! You’ve taken a great step toward smoother, more refreshed skin. Now what?

Post-care is just as important as the treatment itself to ensure the best results and avoid unwanted side effects. In this post, we’ll walk you through what to expect after your injections and the do’s and don’ts for the first few days.

💉 What to Expect After Botox

It’s totally normal to experience a few mild reactions after treatment. Here’s what you might notice:

• Redness or swelling: Small bumps or slight redness at the injection sites are common and typically fade within 30 minutes to a few hours.
• Bruising: A bit of bruising may appear, especially around sensitive areas. This usually disappears within a few days.
• Mild headache or tightness: Some people feel a dull headache or tight sensation in the treated area. This typically resolves within 24–48 hours.
• Delayed results: Don’t worry if you don’t see an immediate change! Botox doesn’t work instantly. You’ll usually notice improvement in 3–5 days, with full results at 10–14 days.
• How long will it last? Results generally last around 3–4 months—perfect timing for seasonal touch-ups!

✅ Post-Treatment DOs (Your Botox-Friendly Checklist)

Here are a few things you should do in the hours following your treatment:

• Stay upright for at least 4 hours
• Use facial expressions (like raising your eyebrows or frowning) to help the Botox settle in
• Apply a cold compress if you feel discomfort—but no direct ice!
• Sleep with your head slightly elevated on the first night

❌ What to Avoid After Botox

Avoiding certain activities can prevent the toxin from migrating to unintended areas:

• Don’t rub, press, or massage the treated area
• Don’t lie down or bend forward for 4 hours
• No vigorous workouts, saunas, hot tubs, or tanning for 24 hours
• Skip alcohol and blood thinners (aspirin, ibuprofen) for 24 hours to reduce bruising
• Avoid facials or skin treatments for at least 7 days

🔍 Common Side Effects (Mild & Temporary)

These side effects are very normal and usually go away within hours to a few days:

• Temporary facial asymmetry (like uneven eyebrows), which usually resolves as the Botox settles
• Redness or swelling at injection sites
• Tenderness or mild pain in the treated area
• Small bumps where the needle was inserted (often disappear within 30–60 minutes)
• Mild bruising, especially near the eyes or forehead
• Headache or a feeling of tightness/heaviness in the forehead

⚠️ Rare Side Effects (Uncommon, but Possible)

Although not typical, these side effects can occur—especially if the toxin spreads beyond the intended area:

• Drooping eyelid (ptosis) or eyebrow
• Dry eyes or excessive tearing
• Dry mouth
• Flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, body aches, or chills
• Nausea or upset stomach
• Muscle weakness near the injection site
• Difficulty swallowing or speaking (more common with neck or high-dose treatments)
• Blurred or double vision, if Botox migrates to muscles near the eyes

These effects are temporary but may take several weeks to fully resolve.

🚨 Serious Risks (Very Rare)

Serious adverse effects are extremely rare, especially when treatment is performed by a trained medical professional. However, you should seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Severe allergic reaction (hives, itching, wheezing, difficulty breathing)
• Severe pain, swelling, or pus at the injection site (signs of infection)
• Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or speaking that worsens
• Vision loss or significant eye changes
• Extensive muscle weakness not limited to the injection area

While these are not common, it’s important to recognize warning signs and report anything unusual.

📞 When to Reach Us

Contact us if you experience:

• Any unexpected or concerning symptoms not listed above
• Side effects that last longer than 7–10 days
• A lack of results after 14 days (you may need a touch-up)
• Any asymmetry or facial imbalance after 14 days that bothers you
• Signs of infection at the injection site (heat, pus, pain, fever)

We’re here to support you every step of the way—don’t hesitate to reach out!